The bipartisan bill would allow young immigrant students to earn lawful permanent residence – and eventually American citizenship – if they:

Are longtime residents who came to the U.S. as children;

Pursue higher education, work lawfully for three years, or serve in the military;

Pass security and law enforcement background checks and pay a reasonable application fee;

Demonstrate proficiency in the English language and a knowledge of United States.*

“We applaud Senator Graham and Senator Durbin for working together to introduce a necessary, bipartisan pathway to citizenship for DREAMers. One out of seven Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) immigrants are undocumented. About 130,000 AAPIs are eligible for DACA, but many did not apply for fear of outing themselves as undocumented to their communities. The Dream Act will help alleviate these fears and allow them access to important rights and resources,” said Vicki Shu, OCA National Vice President of Public Affairs. “However, until this bill is passed, it is crucial that we support and protect the DACA program. OCA calls on Congress to pass the Dream Act and protect the DACA program.”

*This is not an exhaustive list of requirements.

OCA – Asian Pacific American Advocates is a national organization of community advocates dedicated to the social, political, and economic well-being of Asian American Pacific Islanders (AAPIs.)